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Best Teen & Young Adult Science & Technology Biographies

Mountains Beyond Mountains (Adapted for Young People): The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World
From Tracy Kidder, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Truck Full of Money , and adapted by Michael French comes this captivating and critically acclaimed young adult adaptation of the nonfiction edition of Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains , which tells the inspiring story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Harvard-educated doctor with a self-proclaimed mission to transform healthcare on a global scale. Farmer focuses his attention on some of the world's most impoverished people and uses unconventional ways in which to provide healthcare, to achieve real results and save lives. Still, books showing how one person can make a difference are always welcome in young adult literature and this one will be appreciated where the young readers' edition of Greg Mortensen and David Oliver Relin's Three Cups of Tea (Dial, 2009) has been popular. But for the full flavor of the man's life and his impact on the author, older readers should seek out the original.-Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MDα(c) Copyright 2011.
Reviews
"This book provides a glimpse not only into the medical and sociological challenges of Haiti and other impoverished regions, but into the culture of those who serve, support those who serve and in many cases obstruct those who serve."
"Tracy Kidder has done a fantastic job of writing a non-fiction book almost as if it was fictional, I had to keep reminding myself while reading this that these events most certainly did happen and Paul Farmer is a real human being on this Earth."
"This is an extremely well-written biography of Dr. Paul Farmer, a remarkable man and doctor who co-founded Partners In Health, originally based in Haiti- now world-wide."
"Slowly, he built up a far-flung organization around him, staffed by a mixture of low-paid professionals and unpaid volunteers, and largely funded by donations from a Boston real estate developer. In Haiti, they built a hospital in a remote location on the central plateau, expanding it piece by piece as funding allowed, and eventually turned it into a pilgrimage place for the international health community and the rural poor alike. That he did this while trekking to remote Haitian villages, flying around the world constantly, running clinics and hospitals, AND practicing hands-on medicine, passes all understanding."
"This book is a documentary of the struggles and triumphs of Dr. Paul Farmer and his relentless pursuit of helping the poor in Haiti with TB, H I V and other infectious diseases."
"Once Farmer reaches a goal, he strives toward the next one, living out the Haitian proverb that "beyond mountains there are mountains". Mountains Beyond Mountains is a great read that flows well and takes the reader around the world to places where people struggle to obtain the simple necessities of life.... reminding us that there is much work to be done in terms of equality and health world-wide."
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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader's Edition
Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William's windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. Kamkwamba did successfully harness the wind, managing to light his family's house, charge community cell phones for a small income, and pump irrigation water. An inspiring, incredible story.—Dorcas Hand, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Reviews
"After devouring this in one read, I purchased several copies and sent them to friends in Uganda."
"This should be required reading for kids and adults."
"I love that it is based on true events and you can meet William in a documentary after you read the book."
"I loved this book, and my 4th graders did too!"
"I read this book before going on a mission trip to Malawi, Africa, where the author lived."
"Grandson liked this book a lot!"
"Great story about the ingenious invention of a wind machine by a very young boy who had a mind that stretched farther than the imaginations of his neighbors."
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Black Pioneers of Science and Invention
A readable, perceptive account of the lives of fourteen gifted innovators who have played important roles in scientific and industrial progress. DR. LOUIS HABER had a long and distinguished career teaching science.
Reviews
"Great educational book."
"This is a great book full of informaiton that is not readily taught in school and is written so that tween aged children can digest."
"Not only did they learn things but so did I, this book has great information."
"I have learned more in the time Of reading this book then in all of my schooling."
"My eight and nine years old daughters love this book."
"I read this to my daughter so she can understand that the everyday stuff we use was created by people of color."
"This book is brimming with information."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries

Mountains Beyond Mountains (Adapted for Young People): The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World
From Tracy Kidder, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Truck Full of Money , and adapted by Michael French comes this captivating and critically acclaimed young adult adaptation of the nonfiction edition of Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains , which tells the inspiring story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Harvard-educated doctor with a self-proclaimed mission to transform healthcare on a global scale. Farmer focuses his attention on some of the world's most impoverished people and uses unconventional ways in which to provide healthcare, to achieve real results and save lives. Still, books showing how one person can make a difference are always welcome in young adult literature and this one will be appreciated where the young readers' edition of Greg Mortensen and David Oliver Relin's Three Cups of Tea (Dial, 2009) has been popular. But for the full flavor of the man's life and his impact on the author, older readers should seek out the original.-Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MDα(c) Copyright 2011.
Reviews
"This book provides a glimpse not only into the medical and sociological challenges of Haiti and other impoverished regions, but into the culture of those who serve, support those who serve and in many cases obstruct those who serve."
"Tracy Kidder has done a fantastic job of writing a non-fiction book almost as if it was fictional, I had to keep reminding myself while reading this that these events most certainly did happen and Paul Farmer is a real human being on this Earth."
"This is an extremely well-written biography of Dr. Paul Farmer, a remarkable man and doctor who co-founded Partners In Health, originally based in Haiti- now world-wide."
"Slowly, he built up a far-flung organization around him, staffed by a mixture of low-paid professionals and unpaid volunteers, and largely funded by donations from a Boston real estate developer. In Haiti, they built a hospital in a remote location on the central plateau, expanding it piece by piece as funding allowed, and eventually turned it into a pilgrimage place for the international health community and the rural poor alike. That he did this while trekking to remote Haitian villages, flying around the world constantly, running clinics and hospitals, AND practicing hands-on medicine, passes all understanding."
"This book is a documentary of the struggles and triumphs of Dr. Paul Farmer and his relentless pursuit of helping the poor in Haiti with TB, H I V and other infectious diseases."
"Once Farmer reaches a goal, he strives toward the next one, living out the Haitian proverb that "beyond mountains there are mountains". Mountains Beyond Mountains is a great read that flows well and takes the reader around the world to places where people struggle to obtain the simple necessities of life.... reminding us that there is much work to be done in terms of equality and health world-wide."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Sports Biographies

Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself
A smart, credible, and accomplished voice from an athlete who is strong and feminine, fiercely competitive, and fashionably cool, Jennie is someone young women will listen to and take to heart. Killion has covered the major national and international sports issues of the past two decades, including the rise of Olympic softball.
Reviews
"My daughter loves this book, glad I bought it for her."
"My daughter was going through a rough time and This book is so relatable that it pulled her back up and made her want to fight harder."
"Great inspirational book aimed at young ladies in middle and high school."
"Encouragement is exactly what this book offers and that's really good because it gives us the young people a self drive,esteem a and an inspiration ,someone to look up to and I really thank Jennie finch personally wherever she is and I gave this rating because I was really inspired and I appreciated it a lot and I will continue reading her insp."
"Daughter loves this book."
"My daughter needed to meet her AR goals and she is also on 2 softball teams."
"This is an excellent book."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Women Biographies

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
A charmingly illustrated and educational book, New York Times best seller Women in Science highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. A New York Times Best Seller. Best Science Books of 2016, Science Friday Greatest Science Books of 2016, BrainPickings.org. The book has good coverage of the 1800s and early 1900s — a critical time when women’s expanding participation in science was changing the very structure of how knowledge is pursued. Interspersed with gems like a colorful timeline of women’s achievements, and a cartoon celebrating a wonderful hoard of lab supplies, Ignotofsky’s profiles of diverse female scientists is a great addition to the shelf of any student, of any age." "In this wittily illustrated, accessible volume, Rachel Ignotofsky highlights 50 women who changed the course of science." "With the help of eye-catching artwork, Ignotofsky celebrates not just astronauts, but also the engineers, biologists, mathematicians, and physicists who’ve blazed a trail for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields from the ancient to modern world. The book elevates this information with beautiful and instructive infographics that delve into topics like the number of women currently working in STEM fields." “If there were constellations celebrating the incredible accomplishments of women in science, Rachel Ignotofsky's illustrations would serve as the blueprints. Women in Science captures the joy of so many essential discoveries while also celebrating the extraordinary lives of the women who've achieved them.” – Rachel Swaby, author of Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science—and the World “I wish I had a daughter so I could give her a copy of Rachel Ignotofsky's lovingly illustrated Women in Science . Ignotofsky provides young women with the courage and confidence to follow the exciting paths these pioneers have blazed before them.” – Eileen Pollack, author of The Only Woman in the Room: Why Science Is Still a Boys' Club. “ Women in Science is a comprehensive and stunningly illustrated tribute to brilliant female minds. The book offers the next generation of young women a diverse set of relatable and enormously inspiring role models.” – Lisa Congdon, illustrator and author. “In Rachel Ignotofsky’s edifying and inspiring book we meet some of history’s most remarkable women. That’s what the reader is doing in this book: stargazing.” – Lauren Redniss, author of Radioactive and Thunder & Lightning “Paired with her delightfully whimsical drawings, the concise and accessible profiles of women scientists in Rachel Ignotofsky’s book reveal the setbacks faced by women in male-dominated scientific careers and show how these women cared deeply about making the world—and the world of science—a more equal place. With its enthusiastic tone and its colorful layout, this inviting introduction to women in science urges its readers to take advantage of their education and to participate in scientific discoveries of their own.” – Rory Dicker, author of A History of U.S. Feminisms.
Reviews
"Which is fine since we've just read a few pages and it opened up opportunities to discuss all sorts of things, about science and society, and piqued our interest to look up additional pictures and facts on the Internet."
"I read a different segment to my 4 year old daughter every night and follow up with a photo of the person we just discussed on my phone along with the wiki article."
"Beautiful book."
"Some others in our collection include: -“Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win”. -“Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls”. -“Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2”. -“Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G."
"This is a wonderful book that makes a perfect pairing with Ignotofsky's beautifully-designed Women in Science postcards."
"I thought it would be a good idea to let her know women have played some important roles in our history."
"I ordered this for my 11 year old daughters birthday gift."
"I love this book."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Literary Biographies

Going Solo
Learn all about Roald Dahl's encounters with the enemy, his worldwide travels, the life-threatening injuries he sustained in a plane accident, and the rest of his sometimes bizarre, often unnerving, and always colorful adventures. After establishing himself as a writer for adults, Roald Dahl began writing children’s stories in 1960 while living in England with his family. Learn more about Roald Dahl on the official Roald Dahl Web site: www.roalddahl.com.
Reviews
"A great easy read; unfortunately, not much has changed for the better in leaders; mostly fools and varlets."
"It's funny, tender, poignant, laugh-out-loud, and just honest."
"I didn't like him, and disliked his casual anti semitism, but this a book you pick up and don't put down till you finish."
"I read this book for a purpose."
"The sentences tumble from his pen, flowing in harmony across the pages as you see his life unfold."
"This was fun to read."
"My daughter loves this book so much she sent it to her cousin for her birthday."
"May Daughter read this for a class and loved it and is reading all of his books now !"
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Best Teen & Young Adult Social Activist Biographies

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition)
Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. In this Young Readers Edition of her bestselling memoir, which has been reimagined specifically for a younger audience and includes exclusive photos and material, we hear firsthand the remarkable story of a girl who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world -- and did. "Although her efforts to attend school, and the subsequent attack she endured, make for a powerful story, Yousafzai writes just as vividly about her daily life as a child in Pakistan.... Yousafzai's fresh, straightforward voice creates an easily read narrative that will introduce a slew of younger readers to both her story and her mission. [Yousafzai's] strong voice and ideals come across on every page, emphasizing how her surroundings and supportive family helped her become the relevant figure she is today....― SLJ.
Reviews
"My 11-year old son read this and was so touched and inspired by Malala's story."
"Malala tells her story...of her love for the beautifull Swat Valley of her childhood, and her father who dedicated his life to providing education to all the children of the area. integrated schools became a target along with Malala and her father who continued in a very public way to resist this assault on education."
"I started reading I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban (by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb) because I was intrigued by, and interested in Malala: this world-famous and almost impossibly inspirational crusader for education, this fiercely well-spoken and outspoken girl, this youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner ever, this survivor of a terrorist attack."
"The story of Malala was somewhat interesting."
"If you want to learn more nitty-gritty details of the take over of SWAT by the Taliban and its effects on the lives of people living there, this is the book for you."
"Her voice is very clear, and my students felt like they "got to know her" well."
"In the vein of "The Diary of Anne Frank", Malala presents an honest account of life besieged by constant terrorism and military force."
"I found "I AM Malala" to be very well written and full of detailed information about her previous life, her school, friends and family times before she was shot by the Taliban."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Religious Biographies

Your Own Beautiful: Advice and Inspiration from Chelsea Crockett
Inspired by Chelsea Crockett’s popular YouTube channel, Your Own Beautiful is a life, faith, and beauty guide, filled with her trademark tips on makeup and style alongside full-color photos, how-tos, and more to help young women with all the big issues they face—from self-confidence and friendship to following your dreams. The picture-obsessed, highly edited, perfection-driven culture we live in makes most of us feel like we never quite measure up. I'm so thankful for Chelsea's young-but-strong voice calling girls to understand God's bigger plan and purpose as you discover your own beautiful. Whether it's a YouTube video or her debut book, it's obvious to see that Chelsea's greatest desire is to lead others to Christ. I'm proud of Chelsea, and the way she models Jesus-centered identity to millions of young people.
Reviews
"I absolutely loved reading Your Own Beautiful!"
"This book is real and approable."
"As expected."
"Now out of high school, Chelsea has written a book to share with girls about the topics important to them. I am late reviewing this book because I savored every word. I have a daughter this age and it is difficult to find a YouTube personality that will share fun videos with fashion, make-up and more who also shares the faith that is important to our family."
"Chelsea is a Godly role model that will direct your daughter the right way. Chelsea's book is a great one for style and make up help but she can also be a go to for the latest trends and on how a girl can keep God at the forefront of her life, which isn't always easy for young teen girls."
"This is a wonderful book came across as enduring as well heartfelt."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Political Biographies

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition)
Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. In this Young Readers Edition of her bestselling memoir, which has been reimagined specifically for a younger audience and includes exclusive photos and material, we hear firsthand the remarkable story of a girl who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world -- and did. "Although her efforts to attend school, and the subsequent attack she endured, make for a powerful story, Yousafzai writes just as vividly about her daily life as a child in Pakistan.... Yousafzai's fresh, straightforward voice creates an easily read narrative that will introduce a slew of younger readers to both her story and her mission. [Yousafzai's] strong voice and ideals come across on every page, emphasizing how her surroundings and supportive family helped her become the relevant figure she is today....― SLJ.
Reviews
"My 11-year old son read this and was so touched and inspired by Malala's story."
"Her voice is very clear, and my students felt like they "got to know her" well."
"I found "I AM Malala" to be very well written and full of detailed information about her previous life, her school, friends and family times before she was shot by the Taliban."
"***********NO SPOILER REVIEW**********. What a sad, hopeful, beautiful story this is."
""I Am Malala" tells the story of a young woman who yearned for knowledge and education in Pakistan, a country where the Taliban persecutes the education of women, and who almost paid for these things with her life. Although the story of Malala's life and the history of the country are definitely worth reading, the flow of this book is hard to follow at times. Moreover, even though this is Malala's memoir, it seems that the book tells more about Pakistan and her extended family, which can leave the reader questioning if this book should truly be called a memoir for about half of the book."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Historical Biographies

Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive
In this captivating and lavishly illustrated young adult edition of her award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller, Laura Hillenbrand tells the story of a former Olympian's courage, cunning, and fortitude following his plane crash in enemy territory. On a May afternoon in 1943, an American military plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a sinking raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Featuring more than one hundred photographs plus an exclusive interview with Zamperini, this breathtaking odyssey—also captured on film by director Angelina Jolie—is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to endure against the unlikeliest of odds. Writing in a gripping, intense tone, Hillenbrand relates how tragedy struck when Zamperini's plane was shot down and he and two other men spent 47 days in a life boat in the Pacific Ocean, fighting sharks, starvation, and dehydration, before being captured by the Japanese navy as prisoners of war.
Reviews
"The changes were immediately apparent: On the first page, the previous version read: Somewhere on the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Army Air Forces bombardier and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini lay across a small raft, drifting westward. The new version read: Somewhere on the Pacific Ocean, American military airman and Olympic runner Louie Zamperini lay on a small raft, drifting. In a nutshell, Hillenbrand deleted "the endless expanse of," and simplified Zamperini's title from "Army Air Forces bombardier," to "American military airman." He is easily the bravest, most remarkable person I've ever read about, and a fine example of what we hope our young people will choose to emulate."
"I would recommend this book specifically to younger audiences because if you are an adult you should read the more complex version as it is more deep."
"Read at school, good for young adults."
"He was one of the most remarkable men I have ever read about. The recounting of their time in the raft, that they survived is due to the courage of the men, especially Louie."
"Good book, my son (12) loves WWII stories."
"What a wonderful survival story."
"Here is a hero who changed his life from a boy always getting into trouble to a high school athlete, Olympic athlete, and outstanding member of WWII armed forces."
"It shares such am amazing story with so many things to learn and to apply to our own lives."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Cultural Heritage Biographies

Dove
In 1965, 16-year-old Robin Lee Graham began a solo around-the-world voyage from San Pedro, California, in a 24-foot sloop. Louis Post-Dispatch""Filled with a youthful philosophy about life and love and high adventure."
Reviews
"It's been over 20 years since I last read Robin Graham's Dove, and it was just as good and entertaining this time around as last."
"Would have enjoyed some illustrations / maps inline of locations visited but google maps backfilled side by side."
"A great read from the first page to the last."
"I read about Robin Lee Graham as an envious teenager when his story was being told in National Geographic almost 45 years ago."
"Love this book!"
"The book demonstrated that all lone sailors need help and support."
"This book is an easy read and an amazing story!"
"Love this book in middle school and again at age 55 !"
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Best Teen & Young Adult President & First Family Biographies

The Day the President Was Shot: The Secret Service, the FBI, a Would-Be Killer, and the Attempted Assassination of Ronald Reagan
From the scene of the shooting and the dramatic action of the Secret Service, to the FBI's interrogation of the shooter, the life-saving measures of the medical professionals and the president's extraordinary recovery, this is a page-turning account of an attempted assassination and its aftermath. “This thrillerlike adaptation captures the excitement of the Union victory in the Civil War and the shock and horror that quickly followed as the country learned of Lincoln's death and sought revenge on his assassins. The popularity of O'Reilly's adult title will drive interest in this version, but it definitely stands alone and will find an audience among general readers and report writers.” ― School Library Journal.
Reviews
"The insight and time line that led to the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan is meticulously written."
"O'reilly's historical treatises on famous figures are always factual and satisfying!"
"Adolph Hitler in 1940 said, "how fortunate for those of us in power that people don't read.""
"This book was for my husband who loves Bill O'Reilly."
"Excellent book."
"A solid book, though Killing Reagan was more comprehensive and enjoyable."
"This was gift, he loved it!!"
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